Now she was compelled to show her face, and, Sapristi! I could not complain.
I purchased some telegraph stamps, wrote several messages, asked a number of nonsensical questions, and played the part of a chump with amazing fidelity.
She responded calmly, prudently, in the manner of a clever, self-possessed, and polite little woman.
And I came daily, sometimes twice a day, for I knew when she would be alone.
To give my calls a reasonable appearance I wrote innumerable letters to friends and telegraphed to an army of bare acquaintances a lot of impossible stuff. So that it was rumored in Paris that I had suddenly become deranged.
Every day I say to myself: "To-day, my boy, you must make a declaration." But her cold manner suppressed upon my lips the words: "Mademoiselle, I love you."
I invariably confined myself to stammering:
"Be kind enough to give me a three-sou stamp."
The situation gradually became unbearable.
As the day for my return approached, I resolved to burn my ships behind me and to venture all to win everything.